Iconic 1928 Works Including 'Steamboat Willie' Enter Public Domain

Rapid Exploitation of Mickey Mouse Character Sparks Legal Concerns Amid Disney's Continued Protection of Modern Versions

Several iconic works from 1928, including the original Mickey Mouse cartoon 'Steamboat Willie', have entered the public domain in 2024, allowing anyone to use them freely.
Within days of 'Steamboat Willie' entering the public domain, multiple horror films and games based on the character have been announced.
The character Tigger from A.A. Milne’s 'The House At Pooh Corner' also entered the public domain in 2023, following other characters from the Hundred Acre Wood in 2022.
Rhys Frake-Waterfield, director of 'Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey', a successful horror film based on the now public domain Winnie the Pooh, has warned of potential legal issues with using characters like Steamboat Willie due to Disney's brand trademarks.
Despite the copyright expiration, Disney has stated it will continue to protect its rights in the more modern versions of Mickey Mouse and other works that remain subject to copyright.